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When the concept of a fresh socialist party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “secondary event”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The group is still considering if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual attendee, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”